The topic of this seminar is the use of variables in natural language. In particular, we will investigate the question of whether natural languages employ higher type variables, i.e., variables of a type higher than that of an individual, type e. We will focus on two types of linguistic phenomena that variables are commonly posited to account for: pro-forms and traces.In search of higher-type pro-forms, we will look at the semantics of pro-forms that have the syntactic distribution of expressions that are commonly taken to be of a higher type, e.g., pro-forms that have the distribution of adjective phrases (APs), adverbial phrases (AdvPs), nominal phrases (NPs, assuming the DP hypothesis), or verb phrases (VPs). We will then turn to potential higher type traces. In this context, we will look at what types of things relatives clauses can relativize over, as well as what types of phrases can be interpreted in their moved positions, which will take us into the literature on syntactic and semantic reconstruction.

The main requirement for this course is an original research paper. A 1-2 page prospectus of your paper will be due October 28th; the term paper itself will be due on the last day of the semester.

In addition, I would like you to give three in-class presentations: one of a published article, one very short, ten minute description your term paper prospectus, and one of your term paper research. If you are auditing the course you are also encouraged to give at least one presentation.

Participation and attendance, are, of course, mandatory!

I would like to meet with everyone registered at least once during the semester. Talk to me in class or e-mail me for an appointment.

http://www.people.umass.edu/landman/ling535

Electronic copies of readings, if available, will be put in the readings folder. Not all of the readings listed on the schedule will be required reading; I'll let you know ahead of time what to read in preparation.